We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer with background in 5G Core Network development to join our team. This role focuses on architecting, developing, and maintaining critical network functions and control-plane services that form the backbone of next-generation mobile telecommunications infrastructure. You will apply your expertise in 3GPP protocols, distributed systems, and service-oriented architecture to advance our 5G Core processing solutions while contributing to mission-critical telecommunication systems. This position offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that directly support advanced network capabilities and develop innovative solutions that drive the evolution of satellite networks.
What you will do:- Design, develop, and maintain 5G Core Network Functions and their associated service-based interfaces (Namf, Nsmf, Nupf, etc.) using modern C++, Python, or equivalent languages on Linux-based systems
- Develop and implement 3GPP protocols including NAS, PFCP, GTP-U, HTTP/2, and network interfaces such as N4 and N11 to ensure standards compliance and interoperability
- Build and enhance service-based microservices architecture with REST-like APIs, leveraging distributed systems design patterns and modern deployment practices
- Troubleshoot complex distributed systems issues, analyze control-plane signaling paths, and debug protocol interactions across the 5G core infrastructure
- Develop and maintain 5G core network control-plane probes for real-time monitoring, protocol decoding, signaling extraction, and network traffic analysis
- Design and implement automated test frameworks for functional, integration, and regression testing of 5G Core features with comprehensive results tracking and validation
- Collaborate with technical leaders and cross-functional teams to elicit requirements, develop technical documentation, and lead concept demonstrations
- Perform technical research, develop performance analysis tools, and optimize network configurations to improve system KPIs and operational efficiency
- Support products through the full release cycle including testing, validation, and deployment
What you bring to this role:- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field)
- Minimum 8 years of professional software development experience in telecommunications or networking domains
- 5+ years of hands-on development experience with 5G Core Network Functions or equivalent LTE/4G EPC (MME, SGW, PGW, HSS) systems
- Proficiency in C++, Python, or equivalent modern programming languages with demonstrated ability to architect and implement complex telecommunications processing solutions
- Deep knowledge of 3GPP specifications and RAN/5G-NR/LTE protocols with hands-on experience resolving protocol-layer issues
- Strong understanding of distributed systems, microservices architecture, and control-plane signaling patterns
- Experience with automated testing frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, and test case development with comprehensive tracking methodologies
- Proven debugging and performance optimization skills with exceptional analytical capabilities and strong engineering fundamentals
- Experience troubleshooting and analyzing logs from network elements using specialized tools
Bonus points for the following:- 5G Core network control-plane probe development for advanced monitoring, traffic replay, and protocol analysis
- In-depth knowledge of specific 5G network functions: AMF, SMF, UPF, UDM, PCF, AUSF, NRF including behavior, interactions, and call flows
- Observability frameworks and tools (OpenTelemetry, Prometheus, Grafana) for monitoring distributed telecommunications systems
- Network virtualization and containerization technologies (KVM, VMware, OpenStack, AWS, Kubernetes, Helm, Docker)
- Reverse engineering of telecommunications protocols and proprietary network implementations
- User Equipment (UE) and network element log analysis using specialized tools (QXDM, XCAL, or equivalent)
- Development with modern languages like Go or Rust for systems programming
- Experience with LTE/4G EPC systems (MME, SGW, PGW, HSS) demonstrating protocol evolution knowledge
- Building software tools and data pipelines for network performance analysis and optimization
Additional RequirementsThis is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.
$160,000 - $200,000 a year
This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Santa Clara, CA office.
The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed.
